Director of Church Partnerships

Mission Statement 

To lovingly address the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness by sharing the Good News of Salvation and providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery. 

Position Summary 

The Director of Church Engagement plays a key role in furthering the Mission’s commitment to excellence in service and Christlike compassion. The Director of Church Partnerships cultivates and strengthens meaningful relationships with current and prospective church partners, inspiring greater engagement with the San Diego Rescue Mission's mission of serving individuals experiencing homelessness. This role strategically guides churches along a pathway of engagement from learning about the Mission, to participating in volunteer and special service opportunities, to becoming faithful, long-term financial partners. Through intentional relationship management, the Director of Church Partnerships retains and grows high-impact church partnerships while representing the Mission's vision, values, and Christ-centered culture with excellence. As a spiritual leader, this position is committed to continual growth as a follower of Christ and invests in the development, coaching, and success of the Church Partnerships Coordinator to maximize the team's effectiveness and impact.  

 

 

Key Responsibilities 

• Church Relationship Management  

• Cultivate, steward, and grow a portfolio of current and prospective church partners through intentional relationship building. 

• Develop and execute engagement strategies that deepen church involvement with the San Diego Rescue Mission. 

• Conduct regular meetings, presentations, and follow-up with pastors, ministry leaders, church staff and parachurch organizations. 

• Church Engagement & Partnership Development 

• Identify and create meaningful opportunities for churches to serve alongside the Mission through volunteer experiences, events, donation drives, and other strategic initiatives. 

• Guide churches through a progressive engagement pathway from awareness to active participation, to long-term financial partnership. 

• Collaborate with internal departments - Lighthouse, Mission Academy and Community Engagement, to ensure churches have impactful and well-coordinated engagement experiences that also meet the needs of the Mission’s guests and students.  

• Fundraising & Donor Development  

• Retain, steward, and upgrade high-capacity church partners through intentional cultivation and relationship management. 

• Identify opportunities to increase financial investment and secure ongoing support from church partners. 

• Maintain an active caseload, establishing annual goals for engagement, retention, and revenue growth. 

• Strategic Planning & Administration 

• Maintain accurate records of partner engagement, donor activity, and relationship management within the Virtuous (SDRM’s CRM). 

• Track and report key performance metrics related to church engagement, volunteer participation, and financial partnership. 

• Participate in departmental planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives that advance SDRM’s community engagement goals. 

• Leadership & Team Development 

• Provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing development for the Church Partnerships Coordinator. 

• Establish clear goals, provide regular feedback, and cultivate professional and spiritual growth within the team. 

• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that reflects the Mission's values. 

• Spiritual Leadership 

• Demonstrate a vibrant and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ through consistent spiritual disciplines and Christlike character. 

• Integrate biblical principles into leadership, decision-making, and relationship building. 

• Pray regularly for church partners, team members, donors, volunteers, and those served by the Mission. 

• Model the Mission's Christian values in all interactions and responsibilities. 

• Mission Representative  

• Serve as an ambassador of the San Diego Rescue Mission by communicating its mission, vision, values, and impact with authenticity and excellence. 

• Represent the organization at church services, conferences, community events, and networking opportunities. 

• Share compelling stories of transformation that inspire churches toward greater partnership. 

• Support and participate in ministry-wide activities and chapels as applicable. 

• Collaborate cross-functionally to uphold trauma-informed practices and ensure client dignity. 

Staff Expectations 

As a representative of San Diego Rescue Mission, all employees are expected to: 

• Adhere to the Statement of Faith, upholding biblical principles in all aspects of work and life. 

• Be prepared to share the hope you have in Christ. As a representative of Christ, be ready to gently and respectfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ at all times. 

• Live out the Mission, Vision, and Values of the SDRM by safeguarding the Mission, pursuing the Vision, and reflecting our core values—Faith, Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, and Fun—in both your personal and public life. Remain focused on serving, demonstrating a deep desire to see God transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness. 

• Intentionally spend time in God’s Word, prayer, staying rooted in a biblical community (local church, ministry, small group) to deepen your relationship with Christ. 

• Model servant leadership in all interactions, encourage and support SDRM staff in their walk with Christ, putting the needs of others before yourself. 

• Foster a coachable, approachable, and humble spirit, remaining open to feedback, growth, and guidance. 

Qualifications 

Education: 

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 3 years working in a nonprofit, ministry, or human services environment 

• Experience working with individuals facing homelessness, trauma, or addiction preferred 

Skills & Abilities: 

• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, faith-based environment 

• Strong communication and administrative skills 

• Capable of maintaining emotional resilience in challenging client situations 

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

• This role may require walking, standing, lifting up to 25 lbs, and working irregular hours, including evenings or weekends. 

• Environment includes residential program sites and client-facing spaces. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

San Diego Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based organization. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, disability, or any other status protected by federal or California law. As a religious organization, SDRM exercises its rights under the Civil Rights Act Section 702 and applicable California law to employ individuals who share its Christian beliefs and values. 

Acknowledgment and Signatures 

I have read and understand the job description outlined above. I agree to perform the duties as described and acknowledge that the responsibilities and expectations may be adjusted at the discretion of the San Diego Rescue Mission. 

I understand that employment with the San Diego Rescue Mission is at-will, meaning either the Mission or I may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as otherwise provided by law. 

As a condition of employment at this Christ-centered organization, I affirm my agreement with and support of the SDRM’s Statement of Faith, Mission, Vision, and Values and Staff Exceptions. I commit to upholding these principles in both my personal and professional life and agree to serve in a manner that reflects the faith-based nature of this ministry.